Food
La Scène Thélème – Paris, France
A one-Michelin-star table steps from the Arc de Triomphe, La Scène Thélème blends French technique with Japanese accents in an intimate, art-minded space—polished service, measured pacing, and strong lunch value.
Le Comptoir de la Mère Germaine – Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Le Comptoir de la Mère Germaine blends bistronomic flair with South American accents in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Located on the village square and firmly rooted in local wine culture, it’s a compelling stop for Rhône Valley travelers seeking both tradition and innovation.
OXTE – Paris, France
Steps from the Arc de Triomphe, OXTE pairs chef Enrique Casarrubias’ Mexican roots with polished French technique, earning one MICHELIN star and a reputation for vibrant, precise cooking.
Poggio Rosso Puts a Refined, South American–Italian Lens on Tuscan Dining
At this Michelin-starred restaurant, chef Juan Quintero presents South American flavors with Tuscan precision. The tasting menus focus on thoughtful sourcing, striking balance, and high-caliber technique in an elegant setting. A composed service team and disciplined kitchen contribute to an assured dining experience.
Truffe & Vin
Terrae – Truffe & Vin is an intimate restaurant in Châteauneuf-du-Pape where truffles and local wines take center stage. With its refined menu, heartfelt hospitality, and a concept built around the region’s culinary treasures, it delivers a dining experience that is both rooted in tradition and distinctly memorable.
Azumi Houston Delivers Precision-Driven Japanese Cuisine in River Oaks
Located in Houston’s upscale River Oaks District, Azumi serves a tightly executed Japanese menu under the leadership of Chef Timur Fazilov. With a refined sushi program, bold hot kitchen offerings, and a deliberate approach to plating and service, this newcomer reflects technique-forward cooking and a confident presence in a competitive dining scene.
Per Me
Michelin-starred Per Me in Rome, led by Chef Giulio Terrinoni, offers seafood-focused tasting menus with optional wine pairings in an elegant, minimalist setting near Campo de’ Fiori. Expect refined Italian flavors, creative plating, and a personalized dining experience with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients.
Potente: Modern Italian Dining Rooted in Gulf Coast Sensibility
Located steps from Minute Maid Park, Potente offers modern Italian fare with a Gulf Coast touch. Under the leadership of Chef Danny Trace, the kitchen delivers confidently executed dishes that highlight local sourcing, precise technique, and seasonal finesse.
Oaxacan Precision in Downtown Houston: Xochi Delivers Disciplined Mexican Cuisine
Located in Houston’s Marriott Marquis, Xochi offers a technique-driven exploration of Oaxacan flavors under the direction of acclaimed chef Hugo Ortega. A focused mole tasting menu anchors a broader menu rooted in regional tradition, supported by precise service and confident execution in a polished, modern setting.
LMP Restaurant & Bar: A Mediterranean Escape in the Heart of Vegas
A refreshing burst of French Riviera charm has landed at The Cosmopolitan. LMP Restaurant & Bar invites you into a dreamscape of sun-soaked Mediterranean flavors, striking art, and a tasting menu that might rival a summer jaunt along the Côte d’Azur. Chef Ravikanth Avaduta leads the way (or he did until just a few days before we dined, but this was still his menu; no replacement has been named yet) with a stunningly balanced menu that’s equal parts flair and finesse.
The Bootlegger Italian Bistro: A Slice of Classic Vegas Charm
The Bootlegger Italian Bistro is a Vegas legend wrapped in red sauce and Rat Pack nostalgia. This old-school gem serves hearty, authentic Italian fare in a setting that channels mid-century glam, with family history, celebrity lore, and a vibe that never goes out of style.
First & Oak: Solvang’s Cozy Gem of Seasonal Fine Dining
First & Oak inside the charming Mirabelle Inn in Solvang brings a handsomely cozy vibe, stellar service, and a playful five-course tasting menu featuring local wines and seasonal ingredients. Chef Chris Flint’s pedigree shines, and even when a dish misses, the experience overall hits all the right notes.
